Hennepin County Trails

You'll find a little bit of everything in Hennepin County, from little cruises to cross-country excursions. The honor of "best bicycling city in America" is often accredited to Minneapolis, and from its 83 miles of off-street trails, 44 miles of bike lanes, and extensive bike rental system, you can see why. So what are you waiting for? Anyone who loves bicycling must explore what may be the most diverse and expansive collection of trails in the country. Without further ado, here are the reviews.

Bassett Creek Regional TrailLength: 2.0 milesRating: 2 / 5Surface: AsphaltThe Bassett Creek Trail's current incarnation is a completely unexceptional spur off of the Medicine Lake Loop, paralleling 36th Avenue to New Hope. The pavement is rather bumpy, and there is no signage. This trail is a work in progress, and will one day connect to Theodore Wirth Park and the Grand Rounds, for a total length of seven miles. The map linked below shows the trail as connecting Boone Avenue and Winnetka Avenue, however, this section is not complete as of August 2014. There is a spur that heads south from 36th to Hidden Valley Park.(Last biked Sunday, August 10th, 2014, 1 PM to 3 PM)Go to http://www.threeriversparks.org/trails/bassett-creek-trail.aspx for a map and information on the Bassett Creek Trail.

Minnesota's first "bike freeway" begins along the river on the north side of Downtown Minneapolis, and conveniently connects to the Chain of Lakes and Grand Rounds. It is a commuter's dream. Much of the eastern part (east of the junction with fellow bike freeway the Kenilworth Trail) is very industrial, with the usual type of freeways crossing the trail left and right. Most recreational cyclists come for the western section's great views of Cedar Lake and restored grassland. There's also an interesting section inside Northstar Commuter Rail's Target Field station (some of the only shade on the whole trail).(Last biked Saturday, June 21st, 2014, 8 PM to 10 PM)

ALERT (6/9/16): The section of the Cedar Lake Trail underneath Target Field is CLOSED.

The popular Midtown Greenway becomes the Cedar Lake LRT Trail as it leaves Minneapolis. Built on a former railroad grade, it is a quick, direct way to get from Minneapolis to Hopkins. It's a popular recreational trail, with no real distinguishing characteristics, but surrounded by leaves, and good for picking up some speed on its straightaways. (Last biked Saturday, October 4th, 2014, 1 PM to 2 PM)

Minneapolis calls itself the city of lakes, and with over a dozen, it's easy to see why. The four largest, most iconic, and perhaps most pleasant form a chain, and are popular among boaters, bicyclists, walkers, swimmers, and anyone who wants to see and be seen or relax in pretty surroundings.

Calhoun-Harriet(6.9 mile loop):Big, round, and sailboat-studded, Calhoun, Harriet, and the trail between them are extremely busy, which is why the loop parts of the trails have been widened (they could use repaving, though). Lake Harriet, the deeper of the two, is bordered in many places by shady woods, pleasant to ride through and comparatively quieter. Larger and sunnier, Lake Calhoun includes picturesque views of the Minneapolis skyline across the water. (Last biked Saturday, June 18th, 2016, 3 PM to 4 PM)

ALERT (6/18/16): Some portions of the trail between Calhoun and Harriet are gravel due to reconstruction.

Lake of the Isles Loop (2.8 mile loop): From Lake Calhoun, weave along Minnehaha Creek, under Lake Street and the Midtown Greenway, and you will find Lake of the Isles. There are indeed two wood-studded islands (Mikes and Raspberry) in this pretty and irregularly shaped lake. Loop is one-way clockwise. (Last biked Sunday, May 18th, 2014, 3 PM to 6 PM)

Cedar Lake Parkway Trail (1.6 miles one way): Newly redesigned connector trails along Dean Parkway take you from Calhoun and Isles to Cedar Lake Parkway, which is probably the least popular part of the Chain of Lakes Trail. Beautiful, many-bayed Cedar Lake feels refreshing just to ride by. You can make a loop around it using this trail and the Cedar Lake and Kenilworth "bike freeways." To continue north from Cedar Lake rather than looping, veer left -- up the hill -- to follow a ridge overlooking tiny Brownie Lake. The trail gets thin and bumpy here, so use caution. (Last biked Sunday, May 18th, 2014, 3 PM to 6 PM)

This is a nice little trail that follows Columbia Parkway along the edge of Columbia Park and the Columbia Golf Course, then goes over a hill and ends at Central Avenue. Very hilly. You can make a complete loop around the Columbia Park & Golf Course via a trail next to Central Avenue and the Saint Anthony Parkway Trail. (Last biked Saturday, April 20, 2013, 2 PM to 4 PM)The Columbia Parkway Trail is yellowish-green on this map.

Though it has quite a bit of competition, this trail could be labeled "best rail trail in the Twin Cities metro." It's a beautiful escape, and also a connection, from the city to the country. The most popular section crosses Lake Minnetonka on an island and a peninsula, but the trail gets even prettier, in my opinion, after it leaves the lake behind. Beginning in Wayzata, the trail soon crosses a trestle into Lake Minnetonka, which is really a maze of many lakes. The cottages and estates of the shoreline communities are quiet and quaint despite the lack of crosswalks. After more occasional glimpses of the lake, the trail heads west, alternating between rolling countryside scenery and a tunnel of trees. If you stick with it past Saint Bonifacius to Mayer, you'll find middle-of-nowhere woods and a spectacular stretch right along the shoreline of big, beautiful Lake Waconia. The final, newest portion of the trail is a straightaway on the prairie, ending at the Carver/McLeod county line. (Last biked Wednesday, July 2nd and Thursday, July 3rd, 2014)

Wayzata to Mound: 8.3 milesMound to St. Boni: 4.6 milesSt. Boni to Mayer: 7.9 miles﻿Mayer to New Germany: 4.0 miles ﻿﻿New Germany to end: 1.9 miles

Dinkytown GreenwayLength: 1.2 milesRating: 3 / 5Surface: Asphalt

The Dinkytown Greenway is another important step in making every corner of Minneapolis perfect for commuting bicyclists. Next to a railroad grade, it smoothly zooms under bridges a story below Dinkytown, connecting Stadium Village and the U of M Transitway with Downtown Minneapolis. It's not at all a destination in itself, with the primary scenery being railroad tracks and walls. A notable exception to this is the beautiful bridge across the Mississippi River, which can be used by recreational bicyclists to get from Minneapolis to the beginning of the East Mississippi River Gorge Trail. (Last biked Wednesday, June 18th, 2014, 4 PM to 5 PM)

ALERT (9/26/15): A portion of the Dinkytown Greenway east of the river is closed.

The little East River Flats Trail, in Minneapolis's East River Flats Park, lets you glide (albeit with a few bumps in the pavement) among trees and grasses below the river bluff, and even across the Mississippi's surface on a “river walk,” which brings you over the river on an elevated walkway. The trail begins at a parking lot on the U of M campus, along the East River Trail. 1.5 wooded, river-lapped, waterfall-caressed miles later, the trail ends at an unmarked service road near the Saint Paul border. There are gently rolling hills (when you're on land), but nothing serious unless you're going up the bluff on the service road. Though near the geographic center of the cities, this floodplain feels amazingly remote. (Last biked Saturday, September 6th, 2014, 11 AM to 1 PM)

ALERT (9/26/15): The East River Flats Trail is closed under the Franklin Avenue Bridge.

Elm Creek Park Reserve, the largest park in the metro, is home to this spectacular bike circuit. You'll travel over rolling hills through nearly unspoiled landscapes. The trail alternates between pristine prairies and lush corridors of woods, with occasional lakes, creeks, wetlands, and panoramas from high spots. You can bike for hours in this park and see very few signs of civilization, besides fellow bicyclists (and even they become rare in the park's northern reaches). Watch for distant waterbirds when you pass through the hills above Leman Lake (near Champlin), a wildlife sanctuary. And if you're not doing the full loop, stop at the spectacular overlook above Mud Lake, from which you can see all the way to the striking red roof of the Elm Creek Chalet. All of these sights are taken in from pavement smooth as silk, which is blessedly common on the well-maintained trails of the far Northwest Metro. (Last biked Satruday, October 11th, 2014, 12 PM to 2 PM)

_Hiawatha LRT
TrailLength: 4.7
milesRating: 2
/ 5Surface: Asphalt
& Concrete
This trail parallels the Light Rail Blue Line from Minnehaha Parkway to
the future Vikings' Stadium Site. It feels like two different trails. South of the
Midtown Greenway, it passes many interesting neighborhoods, but you
never see them; you're stuck on a double sidewalk between the Light
Rail line and Hiawatha (Highway 55). It's also inconvenient for
commuters, since you have to stop at every light. (Why not just ride the train? You can take your bike on board.) North of the
Greenway, however, things are more interesting. The trail starts to
feel like an actual bike trail as it turns to asphalt and signage (as
well as commuter convenience) begins. It follows the LRT line away
from Hiawatha, passing through the charismatic Cedar-Riverside neighborhood as it heads into downtown. This is a
great trail for train enthusiasts, because countless trains will pass
you along your trip. One can stand at the confluence of the Blue and Green Lines and observe the almost never-ending flow of them. (Last biked -- Southern: Monday,
May 28th,
2012, 11 AM to 2 PMNorthern: Saturday, September 6th, 2014, 11 AM to 1 PM)

Short, yet satisfying, this convenient link will make a wonderful part of your bike ride. The Kenilworth Trail links the Cedar Lake Trail to the Midtown Greenway near the Saint Louis Park border, between Cedar Lake and Lake of the Isles. Though your views of these lakes will be limited, the trail is cloaked in a wonderful thick woods. It is also a "bike freeway," with three separate lanes for walkers, north-going bikers, and south-going bikers. (Last biked Saturday, October 4th, 2014, 1 PM to 2 PM)

At its best, the Lake Independence Trail showcases a wonderful slice of lake country among the farm fields of far western Hennepin County. The first two miles of the trail, along a paved but modest country road, link the Luce Line Trail to Baker Park Reserve, which offers similar scenery to Elm Creek Park in Maple Grove. The highlight of the trail is the deservedly popular Lake Katrina Loop, which showcases both the lake and wetlands and the rolling hills around, which are sprinkled with pockets of dense forest and meadow. In the north part of the park, the trail is mighty nice too, and even hillier. But don't bother going north of the small town of Loretto, unless you're trying to get somewhere. Unpleasant on a hot day, the trail here parallels County Road 19 through nondescript farmland.(Last biked Monday, September 2nd, 2013, 2 PM to 5 PM)

This gorgeous limestone odyssey begins in downtown Hopkins, a few blocks along a not-too-busy street from the Minnesota River Bluffs LRT Trail. The former railroad grade parallels Minnetonka Boulevard for a bit, then enters forests and wetlands. In Greenwood, the trail very suddenly bursts out onto the shore of the big lake. Lake Minnetonka appears on both sides of you as you cruise past its strangely shaped bays and coves to Excelsior, another old town in the suburbs. Beyond Lake Minnetonka, the trail is absolutely gorgeous as it passes Virginia, Tamarack, Schultz and Stieger Lakes. It also connects to the trail system of the huge Carver Park Reserve before its terminus in Victoria. (Last biked Saturday, October 4th, 2014, 2 PM to 6 PM)

Despite the fact that the lake has two popular swimming beaches and is crossed by Cedar Avenue, as well as a major flight path, Nokomis's traffic is moderate when you compare it to lakes like Calhoun and Harriet. The beauty of the lake and the surrounding large trees only add to the many reasons to bike this worthwhile corner of the Grand Rounds. A 500-foot spur trail links Nokomis with the Minnehaha Parkway Trail. Loop is two-way.(Last biked Saturday, June 20th, 2015, 11 AM to 12 PM)

_Long Meadow Lake
TrailLength: 3.5
milesRating: 3 / 5Surface: Gravel and Natural Surface (dirt & sand)
The Long Meadow Lake Trail follows an old gravel road along the shore
of aptly named Long Meadow Lake (it looks more like a meadow than a
lake), with occasional views of the Minnesota River and one of its
oxbow lakes. The trail is in the Minnesota Valley National Wildlife
Refuge, and it goes from the visitor center to the Cedar Avenue (77)
Bridge. The Minnesota valley is a beautiful place, but the trail is
mostly out in the open with little shade, making it blisteringly hot
on a summer day. Also, about the last mile of the trail is pure sand, so
prepare to be walking your bike quite a bit.
(Last biked Tuesday, July 10th, 2012, 12 PM to 3 PM)

Luce Line State TrailLength: 63 milesAvg. Rating: 4 / 5Surface: Crushed limestone (Plymouth to Winsted), crushed aggregate base (Winsted to Hutchinson), asphalt (Hutchinson), crushed granite (Hutchinson to Cedar Mills) & mowed grass (Cedar Mills to Cosmos)One of the greatest trails in Minnesota is the magnanimous Luce Line. Paved mostly with crushed rock, it stretches a whopping 63 miles due west from Plymouth to tiny Cosmos. Though the first few miles and the few miles in Hutchinson are very popular, most of the trail is quite remote, featuring long stretches where you can count people and deer and see which wins.

Eastern Portion: Plymouth to Winsted (30 miles, rating 5)The well-maintained section from Plymouth to Winsted lends itself to both great day trips and pleasant small outings. The crowds taper with the development, and after several miles you may find yourself alone in the beauty of the “big woods” ecosystem. The trail follows a thick tunnel of trees past suburbia (at the beginning), farm fields, wetlands, and lakes like the pristine Oak Lake. Beyond bike-friendly Watertown, a particularly nice 10-mile stretch follows deep woods through the farmland, crossing streams with chances to see wildlife. The crushed limestone portion of the Luce Line ends in Winsted, a quiet and kind town on a pleasant, pelican-filled lake. (Last biked July 5, 2013)

Western Portion: Winsted to Cedar Mills (23 miles, rating 4)The trail starts up again about a mile west of Winsted, completely unmarked. Gone is the handy directional and road signage, as is the smooth surface – it is now crushed aggregate base, which is much rougher. The “big woods” gradually begins to give way to remnants of tallgrass prairie, the trail alternating between pockets of woods and stretches of grassland. (This transition means less shade, but also less mosquitoes.) The section in and around Hutchinson is a gem – it follows the wonderful South Fork of the Crow River through town. West of Hutchinson, the trail is at its best when it moves away from Highway 7 (which it parallels), and lends itself to a bit of wood and prairie scenery. (Last biked July 5, 2013)Far Western Portion: Cedar Mills to Cosmos (10 miles, rating 1 ½)The prairie flora begins to appear right under your bike tires when the trail surface turns to infrequently mowed grass upon passing through Cedar Mills (population 45). Solitude is the word out here, and there's a bit of prairie scenery, but the unkempt-lawn-style surface makes biking this section, as one local blatantly put it, “not fun.” (I find this to be an understatement.) Cosmos is a cute little space-themed town, and a short crushed limestone segment beyond it takes you to the end of the trail, at pretty and quiet Thompson Lake.(Last biked July 4, 2013)

A tour de West Metro suburbs, the Luce Line Regional Trail (Luce Line Extension) is not just a link from Minneapolis to the humongous Luce Line State Trail, but a very nice trail in itself. The trail's beginning as an exit off the Cedar Lake Trail gives no hint that this link can take you all the way to Central Minnesota. A very lightly traveled section leisurely winds along Bassett's Creek; I've only seen a few other bicyclists traveling on it. After following the Theodore Wirth Trail for a bit, the trail zooms into the wooded hills of Theodore Wirth Park. Though it's popular, this section is the most fun. After this, the Golden Valley section may seem a bit dull, as the trail parallels roads and a railroad track. However, your reward for sticking with the trail will come in Plymouth, with seemingly endless wetlands and deep, shady woods. The trail is, for the most part, well signed and well maintained throughout. (Last biked July 2015)

Southern [Medicine Lake] Segment (6.2 miles, Rating 3 ½)Part of the Medicine Lake Loop, the Medicine Lake Regional Trail is the best route along Medicine Lake to get you up close and personal with this nice large lake. Beyond the lake, in French Regional Park, the trail passes over several strenuous hills, before losing its signage and paralleling roads for the last couple miles. Pavement conditions are okay, and sometimes terrible. To access the Northern Segment from the Southern Segment, take the trail next to Northwest Boulevard 1.8 miles to County Road 47, then turn left and go 1.0 miles (47 is currently CLOSED, however, the two segments will be connected soon). (Last biked Sunday, August 10th, 2014, 1 PM to 3 PM)

Northern [Fish Lake – Elm Creek] Segment (9.8 miles, Rating 5)For once, the praising description of the trail you'll find on maps does not exaggerate at all. You'll find yourself on one of the most beautiful sections of trail in the Twin Cities. Weaving around suburban development the best it can, it features deep woods, expansive wetlands, meadows, and many small lakes. The leaves are gorgeous in fall, and the gently rolling hills are lovely. (Last biked Saturday, October 11th, 2014, 2 PM to 4 PM)

FYIQuiet Maple Grove is an excellent suburb for bicycling. Accessible from the Medicine Lake Trail's Northern Segment, the Rice Lake Area Trails bring you as close to a lake as you can get on a bike without falling in! While there's a portion along 494, and the cracked pavement needs work as of 2014, these trails are definitely worth a side trip.

The wildly popular Midtown Greenway is the center of the Minneapolis bicycling world. It's a “green” route across Midtown Minneapolis, connecting the river with the LRT trail system and the Chain of Lakes as it barrels under and over streets on a converted railroad grade. It's lit at night, plowed in winter, and has been named the best urban bike trail in the country by USA Today. You might find yourself wondering why other cities don't have something like this. As a recreational trail, it's fun if you like its urban scenery, though quite busy with commuters, mainly convenient as a super-fast link across Minneapolis. The Greenway also features the convenient Freewheel Bike Center and a really cool cable-stayed bridge that crosses Hiawatha Avenue. (Last biked Saturday, June 18th, 2016, 1 PM to 2 PM)

Go to http://midtowngreenway.org/about-the-greenway/map/ for a map and information on the Midtown Greenway._________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

The Diagonal Trail, mostly in Northeast and Southeast Minneapolis, is part rail trail and part road parallel. The southern sections are quite industrial, but they feature one of the trail's major attractions: Kiosks that outline the history of the Northeast Park, Mideast and Como neighborhoods. East Minneapolis is a culturally diverse area steeped in history, and the kiosks add life to an otherwise icky segment. The northern section, however, doesn't need any kiosk-based resuscitation: It follows a pleasant corridor of woods along New Brighton Boulevard and then through quiet Saint Anthony to Walnut Street in Roseville.(Last biked Sunday, May 12th, 2013, 2:30 PM to 7:30 PM)

The Minnehaha Trail passes a memorial on the site of a concentration camp during the US-Dakota war of 1862.

Minnehaha TrailLength: 3.7 milesRating: 3 ½ / 5Surface: Asphalt

The scenery is unbeatable on this trail through Fort Snelling State Park, where entrance via bike is free. From the southern end of Minnehaha Park, the trail coasts downhill through beautiful woods and swamps above the river, then heads past the park visitor center to Snelling Lake, where if you come at twilight, deer are almost guaranteed. However, the Minnehaha Trail has fallen into disrepair in recent years; in some stretches, the pavement is so bumpy it can barely be ridden on. Unless it gets a makeover soon, this will cease to be a bike trail.(Last biked June 2nd, 2016, 5 PM to 7 PM)

This trail connects Minnehaha Park (don't miss the falls) and Lake Harriet, paralleling Minnehaha Parkway through south Minneapolis. All the while, Minnehaha Creek is right there, zigzagging across the trail, and offering scenic chances to sit and contemplate life if need be. The trail has the annoyance of crossing numerous thoroughfares at lights, and low planes often pass overhead, but outside of that, some sections could easily be far from any city. The trail also connects to lakes Nokomis and Hiawatha. (Last biked Saturday, June 18th, 2016, 4 PM to 5 PM)

_Minnesota River
Bluffs LRT Regional TrailLength: 13.1
milesRating: 4
/ 5Surface: Crushed
LimestoneFrom
the junction at the Depot Coffee House in Hopkins, the Minnesota
River Bluffs Trail shoots southwest through the suburbia of Eden
Prairie, featuring pleasant lakes, ponds, and woods. It also features
urban industry and a notably large amount of highway crossings, many of which are made by clumsy detours from the main railroad grade.
However, any ickyness felt in the first ten miles is more than made
up for in the last three, where you'll find little development and
lots of breathtaking views of the Bluff Creek Ravine and Minnesota River Valley.(Last biked Saturday, April 14, 2012, Noon to 4 PM)

﻿ALERT: The Minnesota River Bluffs LRT Trail remains CLOSED between Pioneer Trail and Highway 101 due to mudslides (see alert from Three Rivers).﻿

Minnesota River Bottoms Trail (part of Minnesota Valley State Trail Corridor)Length: 10.3 miles (Bloomington Ferry Rd. to 11th Ave.)Rating: 3 ½ / 5Surface: Natural Surface (dirt, sand, rocks, roots, etc.)The most notable feature of this popular single track mountain bike trail in southern Bloomington is the raft crossing of Nine Mile Creek. The raft is secured on ropes that you use to pull yourself across the creek. I've never seen anything quite like it. Raft aside, the Minnesota River Bottoms Trail is a very nice trail as far as mountain biking goes, but may be a bit challenging to those who are used to biking on wide paved trails. The three miles from Bloomington Ferry Rd. (the west end) to the Normandale Blvd. Spur (by the railroad bridge) are the nicest, twisting and turning through forests and a few fields on the floodplain. It's not a total escapist trail; on the other side of the river are the factories of Savage. Due to yearly flooding of the river, sand can make for rough going, especially between the Normandale Spur and Nine Mile Creek. However, it's worth riding that section to get to the raft. The trail eventually gets on a service road and resurfaces at Lyndale Avenue / 35W. Then, for the adventurous, there's the 2.8-mile section between Lyndale and 11th Ave. / Indian Mounds School. Leaving the river, it weaves up and down the bluff above Long Meadow Lake, with some views. This is true mountain biking, with steep hills, sharp turns, rocks, roots, and many unmarked forks. It's a good workout, though, and can be fun. (Last biked Friday, August 3rd, 2012, 11 AM to 2 PM)

The Mississippi River Gorge Trail follows the mighty Mississippi from just north of Downtown Minneapolis all the way to Minnehaha Park. Though too urban for some tastes, the popular section in the heart of Minneapolis has plenty of sights, such as the Stone Arch Bridge and the 35W Bridge Remembrance Garden. You'll find it's less busy north of Plymouth Avenue, and has more expansive river views. (You can also ride across the river -- see the spur trail descriptions below and the Riverfront Ride.) If you go south, the trail's pavement condition improves past Bohemian Flats, when it climbs out of the river gorge and follows the lip of a steep bluff. The foliage is dense during summer, so you'll have to get off the trail for good views of the gorge, which are provided at overlooks like the one just before 36th Street. Due to its convenience among commuters (no lights or stop signs!) and the beauty of the river, the trail is popular. The trail ends at Minnehaha Park, a hot spot for Grand Rounds bicyclists. Here you can watch a plume of whitewater tumble 53 feet into the gorge, while munching seafood or licking ice cream from Se Salt, an eatery conveniently positioned in the middle of the park. (Last biked --South of Bohemian Flats: Friday, August 15th, 2014, 2 PM to 3 PMNorth of Bohemian Flats: Saturday, September 6th, 2014, 11 AM to 1 PM)

Stone Arch Bridge & Main Street (1.1 miles)If you head across the iconic Stone Arch Bridge, you'll find a small trail next to Main Street. It's pedestrian-heavy and the pavement is poor, but it's worthwhile if you want some close-up views of the skyline across the Mississippi River, and of one of Minneapolis' oldest neighborhoods. You can ride to a viewpoint of Saint Anthony Falls, in the middle of the river. The trail crosses the Merriam Street bridge to Nicollet Island. (Last biked Saturday, September 6th, 2014, 11 AM to 1 PM)

Boom & Nicollet Islands (0.9 miles)Boom Island Park is work a visit. A trail connects it to historic Nicollet Island via a small converted railroad bridge, turning to gravel once it crosses the bridge. You can make a loop using these trails -- see Riverfront Ride.(Last biked Saturday, September 6th, 2014, 11 AM to 1 PM)

^ The Mississippi River Gorge Trail is gold in the map above.

UPDATE (September 2016): The portion of the Mississippi River Gorge Trail that's been buried by a landslide for a few years has finally re-opened!

The Cedar Lake Trail becomes the North Cedar Lake Trail at Highway 100 in Saint Louis Park, and continues southeast to the Hopkins junction. It's a cruise through the various landscapes of Saint Louis Park -- woods and parks, as well as industry and housing developments. There are multiple nice places to stop, and it's the quietest part of the Cedar Lake Loop. You can get smoothies or coffee at the Depot Coffee House (in a what was one the train station where the name "Hopkins" originated) at the trail's south end. (Last biked Sunday, August 10th, 2014, 3 PM to 5 PM)Go to http://www.threeriversparks.org/trails/north-cedar-lake-trail.aspx for a map and information on the North Cedar Lake Regional Trail.

The main thing that this suburban trail has going for it is that it's the quickest and easiest way to get from North Minneapolis to Coon Rapids Dam. At the south end, North Mississippi Regional Park is hidden away but worth exploring and easily accessible via trails from Webber Park and the Camden Bridge. Pay no attention to big, bad I-94 on the other side of the sound wall and you might really enjoy the peaceful blue entity slipping past to the east. The trail stops at 694 but picks up again a few blocks to the north on Willow Lane. The trail here is in much better condition, and there's less noise as it parallels quiet West River Road. But river views all but vanish, and there's no signage and very few crosswalks. The trail is very little known, but it's not interesting enough to deserve serious attention. If you're going to the dam, continue past it for wonderful views of a wide spot in the river.(Last biked Friday, June 12th, 2015, 10 AM to 3 PM)

ALERT (6/12/15): A few small portions of the North Mississippi Trail are closed due to pavement touch-ups and similar things. They are easily detour-able via the adjacent West River Road.

The Rush Creek Trail is the quintessential suburban bike trail. It Coon Rapids Dam Regional Park to Elm Creek Park Reserve, the largest park in the Twin Cities area. It seems as though there is never a straightaway, with every curve simply presenting another. The trail is wonderfully maintained, with smooth pavement and plenty of signage. Though you can occasionally see suburban homes through the trees, much of the trail is thickly forested and feels very remote.(Last biked Sunday, September 15th, 2013, morning)

This pleasant trail, part of the Grand Rounds National Scenic Byway, follows residential street Saint Anthony Parkway through the many landscapes of Northeast Minneapolis. It starts out in a hilly neighborhood with many parks (including the highest point in Minneapolis), then crosses a train yard with views of downtown, and finishes up along the Mississippi River. It's a fun and rewarding ride.(Last biked Monday, June 23rd, 2014, 11 PM to 1 PM)

ALERT (6/23/14): The bridge over the train yards is currently closed to cars, but open to bicycles.

The recently re-vamped southern part of the Shingle Creek Trail, which continues into Brooklyn Center from the end of the Shingle Creek Parkway Trail, is very worthwhile for its bird-filled wetlands along Shingle Creek. It also features a loop around the scenic Palmer Lake Basin, where you can glimpse a small lake surrounded by a sea of reeds. North of Palmer Lake, however, the trail is a rather urban conglomerate of newer trail sections, old park trails, and two-lane wide sidewalks. Much of your time there will be spent next to busy roads, next to golf courses, or stopped at unmarked intersections trying to figure out which way to go next. The trail's northern terminus is at the Rush Creek Trail.(Last biked Friday, June 12th, 2015, 10 AM to 3 PM)

If you want to stick with the creek for as long as possible, you can take a slightly less direct, but more scenic route. At Xerxes Ave, continue straight on the Brookdale Park Trail, which follows the creek through a tunnel of cottonwood trees (click to enlarge image at right). Then turn left on Noble Ave., to reconnect with the trail north of 85th Ave.

This slightly quieter (but still quite busy) section of the Grand Rounds passes through big, hilly Theodore Wirth Park, paralleling the parkway of the same name. Wirth Park, as it's called, is one of the highest places in Minneapolis, but you'd never know it due the thick forest that prevents any view. Still, the trail is winding and fun, especially at times when it momentarily leaves the road for a slice of tranquility. Watch out for the skinny sections. Three Rivers is making this trail more popular, as a system connection comes in here, and two more are planned. If you like mountain biking, Wirth Park has a big system. (Last biked Sunday, August 10th, 2014, 3 PM to 5 PM)

The Twin Lakes Trail is a low-signage hodge-podge of two-lane sidewalks, city trails and city streets that doesn't get a "designated trail" feeling until just before its southwestern terminus. The trail splits off the Shingle Creek Trail at Brookdale Center, and roughly parallels Highway 100 on run-down pavement, with basically no directional signage. Only a fraction of the trail is actually along the Lakes. This trail is incomplete (it will eventually connect to North Mississippi Park and the future Crystal Lake Trail), and Three Rivers should be adding more features soon, so this trail may get better. Stay tuned.(Last biked Friday, June 12th, 2015, 10 AM to 3 PM)

This stretch of the Grand Rounds is a straight shot along the Minneapolis City Limits, in the Camden neighborhood. Though it's a pleasant and fast way to get from Theodore Wirth Park to Northeast Minneapolis, it's not a destination outright. I usually speed up when riding on this one.(Last biked Friday, June 12th, 2015, 10 AM to 3 PM)

The Victory Memorial Parkway Trail is red on this map._____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

The less popular side of the 7.6-mile Medicine Lake Loop, this trail begins in French Regional Park and connects to the
Luce Line Extension via West Medicine Lake Drive. It branches off the
Medicine Lake Trail at Rockford Road. Don't go through the tunnel,
instead, follow the sign that says "local trail." The trail starts next to a busy
road, but stick with it for woods and hills, then nice lake shore. Near the south end, West Medicine Lake Park has picnic shelters and a beach.(Last biked Saturday, October 11th, 2014, 2 PM to 4 PM)

Hennepin County Rides

Categorized shortest to longest.

Medicine Lake Loop (7 miles - Plymouth)Attractions: Beautiful Lake, Regional Park, 45th parallel Annoyances: Pollution from factories and Highway 169, some parts next to roads Synopsis:This 7.6-mile loop is now signed with mile markers. Begin at the trailhead just off Highway 169. From there, cross the 45th parallel, and travel north along the shore on the Medicine Lake Trail, admiring the large and pretty lake as you go. Once you get to the northern part of the lake, the trail climbs sharply out of the lake's steep valley, then, after one pleasant view of the lake, drops right back down again, and into French Regional Park on the north side of the lake. Once in the park, the trail ascends back out of the valley. From there, get on the West Medicine Lake Trail, which splits off the Medicine Lake Trail at Rockford Road. Don't go through the tunnel, instead, follow the sign that says "local trail." After a short time next to a road, the trail exits the park and drop back down to the lake once again. At the bottom of the hill is West Medicine Lake Park, where you can enjoy a picnic or snack. Soon after the park, you reach the Luce Line Extension, which connects to the 63-mile long Luce Line State Trail not far from here. However, unless you fancy a few days biking, turn left, and the lakeshore curves away from the trail. The trail passes on giant boardwalks across humongous wetlands. You'll get one last glimpse of the lake as you reach the trailhead again.

Minneapolis Riverfront (13 miles - Minneapolis)Attractions: Many sights (both historic and modern), parks, views, plus an amazingly pristine area on the edge of downtownAnnoyances: Some sections quite urban, well-traveledSynopsis:If you are a tourist (or a local) coming to Minneapolis and only want to go 13 miles, this is your ride. From top sights to beautiful backwaters, this is a crash course in Minneapolis (not literally!).

Southwest RiverfrontBegin at Boom Island, not an island anymore, and a popular family destination. Don't miss the tiny lighthouse and picturesque footbridge. Cross the Plymouth Avenue Bridge and head south on the Mississippi River Gorge Trail. After a few hundred feet you'll come to the mouth of historic Bassett Creek, which you can see through the trees. Soon you'll reach Saint Anthony Falls, on the river itself, which has been modified to the point where it's really just a dam/spillway. The nearby Stone Arch Bridge is a historic treasure and worth checking out. (You'll cross it later on your ride, so no need bothering now.) Also nearby is Mill Ruins Park, under the bridge. Next up, you'll pass the interesting Guthrie Theater, then the 35W Bridge Remembrance Garden. Its pillars (which glow blue at night) honor the thirteen people who were killed when the 35W bridge collapsed in 2007. From there, turn right on 13th Avenue, then left on the Dinkytown Greenway. It crosses the river gorge on a converted railroad bridge and provides outstanding views in either direction. The Mississippi GorgeOn the other side of the river, take the "trail exit" to the U of M East Bank. Briefly head south on East River Boulevard, with views over the Bohemian Flats at right, and soon you'll see the East Mississippi River Gorge Trail paralleling the road on to the right. You'll coast down a huge hill. Merge right once you see the sign for East River Flats Park, and get on the East River Flats Trail at the other end of the parking lot. Though near the geographic center of the cities, this floodplain feels amazingly remote. The most prominent feature is a "river walk," which takes you across the surface of the river, with views down the gorge. Just past the end of the river walk and just before the Franklin Avenue Bridge, look for the waterfall on the left. Though just a trickle in summer, spring runoff gives energy to this storm drain discharge. Pick up momentum for the huge uphill at the end. At the top of the switchbacking hill, take a sharp right (on the East Mississippi River Gorge Trail again), and cross briefly into Saint Paul. Stop at Meeker Island, where an "old wagon road" heads down to the remains of the first lock and dam built on the Upper Mississippi. Continue south to the Lake Street Bridge, and cross it (on the north side) to head back into Minneapolis. Turn right on the other side of the bridge and head down to the West River Road and Mississippi River Gorge Trail (again). Head north.

Seward and Cedar-RiversideA little way along the leafy green lip of the bluff, take the Midtown Greenway to the left, heading through quiet Seward. This commuter trail is a great example of bike-friendly Minneapolis. You'll see the striking leaning tower of the cable-stayed Martin Sabo Bridge ahead, and soon it will be a reality. Just as you're about to cross it, merge right onto the Hiawatha LRT trail, heading north. (You can head out onto the bridge if it means a lot to you. It really is an amazing bridge.) Your course north will take you through artsy Cedar-Riverside. Note the multiple trailside murals on the backs of businesses. The trail parallels the LRT Blue Line. Plan on seeing at least one light rail train on your trip along this trail, depending on your speed.

Northeast RiverfrontAt trail's end, head up Third Street South. Take a right on Park Avenue, then a left on Second Street, and then a right on Portland Avenue.You'll come out at the river just downstream from the Stone Arch Bridge. This time, cross the bridge -- it's usually busy. On the other side, head left on the trail next to Main Street. You'll get some close-up views of the skyline across the Mississippi River, as you ride through one of Minneapolis' oldest neighborhoods. You can ride to a viewpoint of Saint Anthony Falls, in the middle of the river. The trail crosses the Merriam Street bridge to Nicollet Island. This bridge was once part of the old Broadway Street Bridge further upstream, and was floated down here when the bridge was rebuilt. Turn right on East Island Avenue just after crossing the bridge. Immediately after the railroad track, merge right onto the gravel trail to Boom Island. A quiet Mississippi backwater is to your right. A small converted railroad bridge brings you to back to where you started.

Cedar Lake Loop (12 miles from Uptown, 15 miles from Downtown - Minneapolis, Saint Louis Park and Hopkins)Attractions: Parks, lakes, woodsAnnoyances: Very little shade, some crossings unmarked from the roadSynopsis:From Uptown or Downtown Minneapolis, head west on the Cedar Lake Trail, Minnesota's first "bike freeway." You'll get some nice views of Cedar Lake from a preserved strip of prairie. Look behind you for a view of the skyline. The trail becomes the North Cedar Lake Trail as it passes under Highway 100 and into the Three Rivers Park District. A landmark a few miles down this suburban trail is a tunnel with the trail's name on it. The trail takes you through the suburbs to Hopkins, a bicycle center where the four LRT system trails meet. You can stop for ice cream, smoothies, coffee or many other things at the Depot Coffee House. If you want a more substantial meal, a nearby Pizza Luce has been designed with bikers in mind. Then, hit the road (trail); you've still got a long way to go. Ride the Cedar Lake LRT Trail into Minneapolis, cruising into town on a former railroad grade. Then, take a slight left onto the Kenilworth Trail, a newer bike freeway, which will probably be the nicest part of your ride. There's lots of nice woods here, and you will get another view of Cedar Lake itself as you cross Cedar Lake Avenue. The Kenilworth Trail intersects with the Cedar Lake Trail after a little while. One recommended starting/ending point is the Jewish Community Center in Saint Louis Park.

Deming Heights to Palmer Lake (20 miles - Minneapolis and Brooklyn Center)Attractions: Highest Point in Minneapolis, Parks, River, Lake, Bridge, Huge train yardAnnoyances: Some pollution, next to secondary thoroughfaresSynopsis:Begin at Deming Heights Park, Minneapolis's highest point, with a view of the Minneapolis skyline. The downside of starting here is that you obviously have to end by going up, and the hill is particularly steep. However, it makes the start of the ride fun as you whiz down to Columbia Park on the Saint Anthony Parkway Trail. After cruising past the park, climb up a hill and cross a bridge over a really huge train yard (about 500 feet wide) with clearer views of the skyline. From there, ride down to the pretty Mississippi River. After admiring the river, loop up onto the Camden Bridge, which has the interesting feature of sloping upward to cross I-94 after crossing the river, then steeply down to reach Lyndale Avenue. From there, briefly stay on the Grand Rounds route to cross Webber Park, then get on the Shingle Creek Parkway Trail via 45th Avenue North. Enjoy riding along the wooded creek until Lions Park on the border of Brooklyn Center. You can have a snack or picnic here, now or on the way back. If you turn back now, it's a good solid ten-mile ride, but push on to Palmer Lake on the Shingle Creek Trail if you want the full effect of Brooklyn Center, both positive and negative. Recent improvements to the trail have made this suburb's bird-filled wetlands more enjoyable. And then you reach the lake basin: a true gem, totally worth the trip. Here, through gaps in a dense forest, you can glimpse a small lake surrounded by a sea of reeds.

The Grand Rounds National Scenic Byway is a collection of connecting parkways that spiral through Minneapolis, most of which have bike trails paralleling them. Though not a full loop, it can be turned into one by making use of some of the city's very convenient bike lanes. It's the Twin Cities' premier bike circuit and offers a tour of Minneapolis' many sides, perfect for those who love to bike and those meeting the City of Lakes for the first time. Those who want a shorter ride can use the Cedar Lake Trail to divide it into two loops.Minnehaha CreekYou can start anywhere, but I recommend Minnehaha Park, which is mile zero on the marker signs that you will see. Don't miss Minnehaha Creek's 53-foot cascade, which has inspired many a work of art. Head west, up the quiet creek on the Minnehaha Parkway Trail. Soon you'll reach lakes Hiawatha and Nokomis. Though it adds three miles to your trip, Nokomis is a lovely lake to loop around. West of Nokomis, the trail is closer to Minnehaha Parkway, but still follows the peaceful creek.

The Chain of LakesEventually, you reach busy Lake Harriet, which is a pretty lake, but mind-blowingly busy with all forms of transportation and recreation (i.e., people driving, biking, walking, paddling, sailing, swimming), but still quite a nice lake. Halfway along the one-way loop, part of the Chain of Lakes Trail, a trail up William Berry Parkway connects to Lake Calhoun, which is bigger, rounder, sunnier, and maybe even busier. After nipping into Lake of the Isles, head west (left) on the trail next to Dean Parkway. Turn right on the trail next to Cedar Lake Avenue. Once you get to the north end of beautiful Cedar Lake, veer left (up the hill) and you'll find yourself following a ridge overlooking tiny Brownie Lake. The trail gets thin and bumpy here, but it soon expands into the Theodore Wirth Trail once you cross I-394.

Theodore Wirth Park & Victory Memorial ParkwayWirth Park is Minneapolis' largest, and is wonderfully woody. It has plenty of attractions (though little are right on the parkway and trail), and could be called the Central Park of Minneapolis. North of Plymouth Avenue, you'll see Bassett Creek far below to your left. After heading through the park, the Wirth Trail becomes the Victory Memorial Parkway Trail. This parkway is a straight shot through Camden, designed as a firebreak. You'll make a sharp turn east about two-thirds of the way in, and that's the only real curve until you get to Webber Park. Be sure to check out a manmade waterfall on Shingle Creek in Webber Park before heading across the Camden Bridge to Northeast.

Northeast & Southeast MinneapolisKeep left and loop under the bridge to get on the Saint Anthony Parkway Trail. You'll get a little time by the Mississippi River, cross a huge train yard, and pass Colombia Park before scaling the heights -- Deming Heights, to be exact. To stand at Minneapolis' highest point, head up the knoll to the left once you get the Deming Heights Park. It's hard not to rest here after the climb of the century. There's a skyline view, but the place is wooded and only glimpses through the trees show the steepness of this hill's southern face. Once you're ready to move on, head down the other side of the hill and continue to follow the Saint Anthony Parkway Trail to Stinson Parkway. You'll have to go on the road on this one, but parkways are designed with bikes in mind. At New Brighton Blvd., you'll see the Diagonal Trail on both sides of the road. Cross Stinson, and continue south on the trail the parallels Stinson on the left, rather than heading through the huge arch that says "Minneapolis Diagonal Trail". For the best panoramic city vista yet, take a side trip left onto Ridgeway Parkway and head up the hill to a scenic overlook. The Diagonal Trail continues south, paralleling Minneapolis' first parkway through some industry. Eventually, the trail gets on 18th Avenue. Turn right on Como Avenue, where you get a bike lane after two blocks. Then go left on 10th Avenue, which parallels 35W. Turn right on 5th Street, crossing a bike & pedestrian bridge over 35W. Past 8th Avenue, 5th street is a one-way the other way for cars, but a special lane allows bikes to go both ways. Turn left on 6th Avenue, and another bike lane will pick up after University. Sixth descends to the river.

The Downtown RiverfrontYou can bypass most of the Downtown Riverfront by continuing straight onto the Stone Arch Bridge, but you'd be missing Nicollet Island and the mouth of Bassett Creek. For those who want to do the whole thing, turn right on the trail next to Main Street. You'll get some close-up views of the skyline across the Mississippi River. Dam buffs can ride to a viewpoint of Saint Anthony Falls, in the middle of the river. The trail crosses the Merriam Street bridge to Nicollet Island. This bridge was once part of the old Broadway Street Bridge further upstream, and was floated down here when the bridge was rebuilt. Turn right on East Island Avenue just after crossing the bridge. Immediately after the railroad track, merge right onto the gravel trail to Boom Island. A quiet Mississippi backwater is to your right. A small converted railroad bridge brings you to Boom Island, not an island anymore. Don't miss the lighthouse and picturesque footbridge. Cross the Plymouth Avenue Bridge, and head south on the Mississippi River Gorge Trail. After a few hundred feet you'll come to the mouth of Bassett Creek, which you crossed in Wirth Park. Soon you'll reach Saint Anthony Falls, on the river itself, which has been modified to the point where it's really just a dam/spillway and is rather bland. However, the nearby Stone Arch Bridge is a historic treasure and worth checking out. Next up, you'll pass the Guthrie Theater, then the 35W Bridge Remembrance Garden, which honors the thirteen people who were killed when the 35W bridge collapsed in 2007.

The Mississippi GorgeThe trail goes under the new 35W bridge as it leaves downtown, and passes through the Bohemian Flats before climbing the bluff above the Mississippi River's only true gorge. The trail follows the lip of the gorge for the final few miles of your ride. The forest is dense, so you'll most likely have to get off the trail for views of the gorge, which are provided at overlooks like the one just before 36th Street. You'll find views like these a fitting finale before you head away from the river and back into Minnehaha Park.

Midtown - Minnetonka Route (40 miles - Minneapolis, Saint Louis Park, Hopkins, Minnetonka, Deephaven, Greenwood and Excelsior)Attractions: Martin Sabo Bridge, Lake Minnetonka and smaller lakes, Woods, Wetlands, Gradual transition from urban to suburban to ruralAnnoyances:Relative popularity, occasional lack of interesting scenerySynopsis:Begin along the Midtown Greenway in the general Mississippi River/Longfellow area, where the trail is graced by benches, poetry lines, and shoes (you'll know what I mean). After crossing the spectacular Martin Sabo Bridge, it's a straight shot to the Chain of Lakes area. Just keep going straight, and the Greenway turns into the Cedar Lake LRT Trail at the Minneapolis City Line. Through the leaves and 'burbs you'll approach Hopkins, where you can get a cold snack on a hot day at the conveniently placed Depot Coffee House (in a what was one the rail station where the name "Hopkins" originated). From there, follow signs for the Lake Minnetonka Trail through the historic city center (if you must know, your short route is along 8th Ave.). In no time at all, there it is: The Lake Minnetonka LRT Trail, you're route through the pretty woods and wetlands of Minnetonka. Watch for Minnehaha Creek, which passes through some of those aforementioned wetlands and is on the other side of Minnetonka Boulevard when the trail parallels it. Also, watch all the houses start to disappear. After all these "Minnetonka" misnomers, it feels wonderful to actually prove that the lake is there when you burst onto the shore in Greenwood. Soon after, you reach Excelsior. Originally founded as a tourist destination on the big lake, it is now a triple-dollar-sign historic little town. You've come all this way from the Mississippi, and now you must go back. It's a total of 40 miles as is, but if you can spare a few miles, continue past Excelsior and complete the transition: even though you're technically still in the suburbs, development is thin as can be. The trail terminates in Victoria, a place six miles beyond Excelsior. On the way back, you could have dinner at the Pizza Luce along the Cedar Lake LRT Trail.

Great Northwestern Circuit (47 to 49 miles - Minneapolis, Fridley, Coon Rapids, Brooklyn Park, Maple Grove, Plymouth and Golden Valley)Attractions: Mississippi river, countless creeks, lakes, Coon Rapids Dam, Elm Creek Park Reserve, wetlands, woods, wildlife, some hillsAnnoyances: Small sections next to or on busy roads, section in Coon Rapids Dam Park easily floodsSynopsis:Everybody seems to think that rail trails are the big cheese. Maybe they are, but the Northwest Metro has several major trails that are not ex-railways, and therefore bounce and curve through lands not addled by a former railroad grade. This enormous loop shows you the best of the best. Begin at the parking lot at Wirth Parkway and Plymouth Avenue, and head north on the Theodore Wirth Trail, which parallels Wirth Parkway through Minneapolis's largest park. It becomes the Victory Memorial Parkway Trail, a straight shot through Camden. Be sure to check out a manmade waterfall on Shingle Creek in Webber Park before heading across the Camden Bridge to Northeast. Now things get interesting. Rather than heading south, get on the Mississippi River Trail, heading north. It starts next to a road, but soon you'll find yourself zipping through woods in parks along the river. North of 694, the trail traces a route on both paths and streets, but every turn is marked by a trusty blue sign reading "Mississippi River Regional Trail Corridor." A couple miles north of 694, there's a nice viewpoint of Locke Lake that's worth checking out. A couple miles north of that, the trail follows Riverview Terrace, a street right down on the wild river. Soon after you enter Coon Rapids, the trail descends into Coon Rapids Dam Regional Park, down on the floodplain. Your approach to the dam itself is dramatic: it gradually comes into view as the river curves. Ride across the top of the dam into Brooklyn Park, and get on the Rush Creek Trail, which begins outside the park entrance. The trail is ridiculously curvy and lushly wooded, and therefore a lot of fun. The miles between Zane Avenue and the Jefferson Highway may be the most remote of the whole ride. Watch for deer along this section. Five miles dead west of Coon Rapids Dam is Elm Creek Park Reserve, the largest park in the metro. You can stay in the "frontcountry," or, if you think you can add a few miles to your trip, loop into the exciting woods. A loop around Mud Lake adds 2.3 miles and features a very nice view over the lake and distant, striking chalet. Whatever you do, get on the Northern Segment of Medicine Lake Trail on the far side of the park when you're through. At first it may seem that you have returned to civilization, but do not be deceived. The trail soon whisks you away into wetlands and woods that feel very remote. You'll glimpse Rice Lake and cruise through Fish Lake Park. The trail's newest section, south of Fish Lake, goes past Edward Lake. Alas, all segments must come to an end, and when this one does, you must go on the road for the first and last time in the ride. Turn left on County Road 47, and go 0.4 miles on the shoulder. An adjacent city trail starts on the right after Annapolis Lane (Co. Rd. 47 is CLOSED; follow detour signs). Go 0.6 miles to Northwest Boulevard and turn right on another adjacent city trail on the far side of the road. Go 1.8 miles, and the adjacent city trail curves away from the road and becomes the Medicine Lake Trail's Southern Segment. The arrival is signaled by the beginning of a dashed orange dividing line. The trail goes through French Regional Park, where the amount of steep ups and downs is outrageous. Eventually, it descends for good to Medicine Lake and follows the shoreline for a few scenic miles. In East Medicine Lake Park at the south end of the lake, turn left on the Luce Line Trail. Watch for the Minneapolis skyline up ahead. For most of the way through Golden Valley it's a little boring, but stick with it for thick woods and some of the ride's most fun hills as the trail enters Wirth Park. You'll find this a worthy finale to an epic ride. Before long, you'll pop out at Wirth Parkway. The parking lot is just a hop and a skip north.